Traditional Mold Testing

MoldScan

A MoldScan is a fungal direct examination utilizing microscopy and can be performed on standard impaction spore traps, such as an Air-O-Cell or Micro5, swabs, bulk material and tape lifts. Quantification of spores is based off of the amount of air sampled with spore traps however, with swab, bulk and tape lifts a simple: Low, Medium, or High quantification is given.

Key MoldScan Analysis Facts

24 Hour Results Monday-Friday

Advanced Microscope Systems

Analysts Have Bachelor Degrees or Higher

Complementary Overnight Shipping to the Lab for 10 or More Samples

PhD Mycologist on Staff

Phone Consultation with Results

Susceptible to Overloading with Debris that May Inhibit Analysis Affected by Environmental Conditions such as Weather, HVAC, etc.

Does Not Include Species Identification

Does Not Include Viability Analysis

Best Uses

The MoldScan analysis of spore traps is an inexpensive and fast mold screening tool used to detect elevated airborne mold concentrations. To determine elevation, a control sample from the outdoors is generally taken at the time of sampling for comparison. Swabs and tape lifts are best for sampling an area where suspect mold is growing on a substrate, such as drywall or cabinets.

Sample Collection

Spore Traps require an air pump that pulls air through the spore trap at a set rate for a certain amount of time. Each spore trap’s optimal air flow or volume may be different. Please check the manufacturer’s documentation on recommended sample collection volumes or contact the laboratory with questions. Keep in mind certain situations such as wall cavity sampling may require adjusting the volume to ensure overloading of the sample does not occur.

Swabs or Tape Lifts
Sampling surfaces with swabs or tape lifts is as easy as 1…2…3.
1. Remove the protective shield from the swab or tape lift
2. Lightly touch the suspected mold colony
3. Replace the protective shield back on the swab or tape lift.

Pricing

$22.00 per Analysis.
Call or Order Air Sampling Cassettes Online
Complimentary Swabs and Tape Lifts May be Ordered Online

ViaScan Fungi

A Fungal ViaScan identifies living fungi and can be performed on a swab, bulk, air, or water sample.

Key ViaScan Analysis Facts

Samples Must be Shipped to the Lab Overnight to Ensure Viability is Preserved

7-14 day Turnaround: Based on How Long Sample Must be Incubated to Grow

Advanced Microscope Systems

Analysts Have Bachelor Degrees or Higher

PhD Mycologist on Staff

Phone Consultation with Results

DNA Based Species Identification Available for Additional Charge

Best Uses

Fungal ViaScan analysis is used when viability of mold spores present needs to be known. Examples include: The knowledge of spores to infect people such as in an operating room or post remediation to determine if the residual mold spores are viable and can begin to grow again if growth conditions are met.

Sample Collection

Swab Samples can be collected in much the same way as a MoldScan swab by touching a suspected colony with a sterile swab. Another method is by swabbing a measureable area (such as one square inch) with the sterile swab and recording the area swabbed on the chain of custody.

Bulk materials such as carpeting may be sent into the laboratory and analyzed for viable fungi or mold. Simply place a suspected contaminated bulk material in a zippered baggy and send it to the laboratory. The analyst will take it from there.

Air sampling requires an air pump, plate medium and Andersen impaction stainless steel plates. Air is pulled onto the sterile plate medium and the plate is sent back to the laboratory for incubation and analysis. Differential media may be ordered to help pinpoint certain fungi in question. Please call the laboratory for more information on this collection method.

Water Samples may also be sent in for Fungal ViaScan analysis. Simply fill up a 250 ml sterile polypropylene bottle with water from a source in question and ship the sample overnight to the laboratory for analysis.

Keep in mind to keep all viable samples chilled to ensure viability is preserved. Samples should be sent overnight to the laboratory for analysis. Never ship a sample if it will not arrive the next day, such as over the weekend.

Pricing

$45 for Genus Identification of the Two Most Prominent Isolates
$100 for Species Identification of the Two Most Prominent Isolates
Order Sample Media Online or Call the Laboratory to Discuss which Media is Best
Order Complimentary Swab and Water Bottles Online